SCHEDULE

Excavation
Mid-June 2021 to April 2022

Shell construction
March 2022 to Dec 2023

Interior work
Until 2026

Installation of exhibitions/
furnishing and relocation

Until 2027/28

A NEW CULTURAL BUILDING FOR BASEL

The Natural History Museum Basel and the State Archive Basel-Stadt are venerable institutions with a long tradition which fulfil the mission of preserving and maintaining valuable cultural assets. The treasures they harbour are irreplaceable sources of Basel’s natural and urban history.

Both institutions are housed in old town properties that require major renovation and are currently providing inadequate conditions for their magazines and warehouses. On top of this, there has not been enough space to accommodate the collections and archive material in one location for a long time, resulting in the operation of several external warehouses. Jointly used by both institutions, the new cultural building will permanently bring together and protect our valuable cultural heritage and its unique assets.

We care about science – you too?

The new Natural History Museum will display the full splendour of its internationally acclaimed collections of butterflies, birds, fossils, minerals, beetles, and much more. Not only are these objects stunningly beautiful and fascinating, they also constitute an invaluable basis for scientific research. It is the mission of the new museum to make this science accessible to everyone.

There will be exciting exhibitions and up-to-date educational programmes for children, youngsters and adults, inviting them to engage with a wealth of themes relating to our natural world. The museum will provide lots of opportunities to uncover facts and explore history. We will create ample space for school classes as well as function rooms, a bistro that invites you to linger and a fun museum for visitors to stay and browse. The new Natural History Museum will offer something for everyone.

Location

The new museum and archive building will be situated on the former Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) grounds at Entenweidstrasse in Basel's St. Johann district. Its southern and western perimeters border the SBB railway tracks, while part of its northern area is located below Luzernerring bridge.

Historically an industrial and working-class neighbourhood, the St. Johann district has developed into a popular urban residential, research and cultural area. In the context of the ProVolta urban development process, the district has grown substantially, with the transformation of the VoltaNord area (Lysbüchel area) north of St. Johann station further boosting this trend.

EASY TO REACH

The new cultural building is conveniently located at the 'Bahnhof St. Johann' tram stop (Tram 1).

By public transport, visitors can reach the city centre and the SBB railway station in ten minutes.

Both Voltaplatz and Kannenfeldplatz are within walking distance and connect the building with further public bus and tram services.